Knight Foundry

Knight Foundry Knight Foundry, in Sutter Creek, CA, is one of America’s last water-powered foundry & machine shops

Knight Foundry, set in the heart of Sutter Creek, is America’s last water-powered foundry and machine shop. Established in 1873 by Samuel Knight, this extraordinary facility includes the unique historic equipment and machinery, still in place in its original context, just as it was during its gold rush-era heyday. Knight Foundry is nationally recognized as a National Historic Mechanical Engineerin

g Landmark and a California Registered Historical Landmark. The Foundry is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was once named by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of America’s eleven most endangered historic places.

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor those who served and sacrificed for our country. 🇺🇸At Knight Foundry, ...
05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor those who served and sacrificed for our country. 🇺🇸
At Knight Foundry, history lives not only in iron and machinery, but in the stories preserved within our archives. These documents offer a glimpse into Knight Foundry’s connection to wartime industry over the years, a reminder of how communities, craftsmanship and manufacturing supported larger efforts during times of national need.

As we reflect this Memorial Day, we’re grateful for those who served, those who sacrificed and the generations whose work helped shape history.

Take a step back in time with us and experience the stories that continue to live on within Knight Foundry.
⚒️

Congratulations to our students for finishing several projects and making progress on others. Marcus finished his bow sh...
05/24/2026

Congratulations to our students for finishing several projects and making progress on others. Marcus finished his bow shackle, Anthony & Adam finished there 1st pair of tongs. Gryffin, Micheal, Frank, Todd, Jacob & Diggs all made great progress on their projects!

If you’re interested in joining our next introduction to blacksmithing class on July 18, you can email [email protected]

Clock in to history. ⏰⚙️ More than 1,000 preserved time cards remain with Knight Foundry, handwritten records documentin...
05/22/2026

Clock in to history. ⏰⚙️ More than 1,000 preserved time cards remain with Knight Foundry, handwritten records documenting the everyday work that kept this historic foundry moving. Planning rails. Repairing lathes. Boring parts for prune shakers. Assisting with PG&E projects. Fitting keys into sprockets for Cedar Mill. Every card tells the story of craftsmanship, industry and the skilled hands that helped shape our region.

This Saturday, step into that story yourself. Explore one of America’s last original water-powered foundries and discover the machinery, innovation and people behind this living piece of history.

While you’re in town, make a day of it! Sutter Creek’s Trash to Treasures will also be happening downtown. Treasure hunting and history, all in one adventure.

Knight Foundry OPEN!
4th Saturday | 10 AM – 2 PM
📍81 Eureka Street, Sutter Creek

Tag someone who loves history, engineering, craftsmanship or discovering hidden gems! ⚙️

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an afternoon exploring the story of rural electrification, innovation and the la...
05/21/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an afternoon exploring the story of rural electrification, innovation and the lasting impact of industry on communities like ours. A special thank you to Knight Foundry volunteer Ron Anderson for sharing his knowledge and helping connect national history to the local stories that continue to shape Amador County today.

From conversations about life before widespread electricity to learning how early innovation transformed rural communities, it was an afternoon filled with curiosity, learning and connection with the !

To our partners, volunteers and guests, thank you for helping preserve and celebrate history with us.
Missed this one? Stay tuned for future programs, tours and opportunities to experience living history at Knight Foundry. ⚙️

What was your favorite takeaway from the presentation? Share below!

Join us for an afternoon of history, innovation and community at the upcoming Community Speaker Series in partnership wi...
05/12/2026

Join us for an afternoon of history, innovation and community at the upcoming Community Speaker Series in partnership with the Sutter Creek Community Benefit Foundation and Knight Foundry. ⚙️✨

On May 16, 2026 at 4 PM, guest speaker and Knight Foundry volunteer Ron Anderson will explore the fascinating story of the Rural Electrification Administration, from a time when only 1 in 10 rural families had electricity, to the transformation that forever changed communities across America and right here in our region.

This presentation will dive into:
🔌 The challenges rural families once faced without electricity
🏛️ How the federal government responded
⚙️ Sam Knight’s role in helping shape the future of power in our area
🎥 Plus, a historic short film from that era

📍Historic Sutter Creek Grammar School
121 Cole St., Sutter Creek, CA
🎟️ Free & open to the public
⚠️ Seating is limited to 60 guests

Reserve your seat today by emailing: [email protected]
We hope you’ll join us for this meaningful look into the history that powered our communities forward.

Still searching for the perfect Mother’s Day gift? 💐⚙️Find something completely handmade, completely unique and molded f...
05/09/2026

Still searching for the perfect Mother’s Day gift? 💐⚙️
Find something completely handmade, completely unique and molded for Mom right here at historic Knight Foundry. ✨

Our gift shop is filled with special finds crafted with artistry and character from home décor pieces and kitchen goods to apparel, art and one-of-a-kind treasures you won’t find anywhere else.

It’s the kind of gift that carries a story, a little history and a whole lot of heart. 💛 Stop by Knight Foundry TODAY (10 am - 3 pm) and shop local for Mom!

05/09/2026

Looking for a unique Mother’s Day weekend activity? ⚙️
Step back in time and explore the magic of historic Knight Foundry with Mom this weekend! Wander through one of America’s last water-powered foundries, discover fascinating machinery and craftsmanship and make a day of it in beautiful Sutter Creek.

And before you leave, don’t forget to stop by the gift shop to find Mom a little something special to remember the day by. 💛

We’re open today from 10 AM–3 PM! Come experience a piece of living history with us!

Yesterday students learned how to make steak turners at introduction in our introduction to blacksmithing class. It’s al...
05/03/2026

Yesterday students learned how to make steak turners at introduction in our introduction to blacksmithing class. It’s always fun when students put their own creative spin on their work. Thank you to all the students who attended, it was a fun day! Everyone left with their own finished piece. Our next intro to blacksmithing class is July 18, if you’re interested in joining or would like more info you can email [email protected].

A look back at a truly special afternoon ⚙️📜 This past Sunday, we opened the doors to the Knight Foundry Archives and we...
05/01/2026

A look back at a truly special afternoon ⚙️📜 This past Sunday, we opened the doors to the Knight Foundry Archives and welcomed our community to step inside the stories behind the steel. From historic drawings to conversations around preservation and digital access, it was a meaningful glimpse into the work being done to protect and share this incredible legacy.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, asked questions and celebrated this milestone with us! We are so grateful to share it with you. And a huge thank you to the Kennedy Gold Mine in Jackson, CA for being our place of archive for these local, national and worldwide treasures!

Want to experience this history for yourself? Visit Knight Foundry in Sutter Creek on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month for a tour and see history in motion.

Students made wonderful progress on projects in blacksmithing class yesterday. If you’re interested in joining our black...
04/26/2026

Students made wonderful progress on projects in blacksmithing class yesterday. If you’re interested in joining our blacksmithing classes email - [email protected] for more information.

Address

81 Eureka Street
Sutter Creek, CA
95685

Telephone

(209) 560-6160

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